The parties versus the people : how to turn Republicans and Democrats into Americans / Mickey Edwards.

Includes bibliographical references (pages 187-192) and index.

American tribalism -- The disappearing dream -- Reclaiming our democracy -- Drawing a line in the sand -- The money stream -- Government leaders, not party leaders -- Debate and democracy -- Rearrange the furniture -- Rivals, not enemies -- The partisan presidency -- Declarations of independence -- Beyond partisanship -- The way forward.

A former congressman draws on his first-hand experience with legislative battles to present a solution-based, practical way to break the stranglehold of the political party system and banish the negative effects of partisan warfare.